Protest: NEFGAD knocks NASS for decision to go on recess, says lawmakers insensitive

A civil society organization, the Network for the Actualisation of Social Growth and Viable Development, NEFGAD, has described as insensitive the decision of the National Assembly to go on recess at a critical time that Nigerian youths are planning a nationwide protest over economic hardship.

DAILY POST reports that the National Assembly had, on Tuesday, July 23, announced that it is embarking on a seven-week recess.

The lawmakers are to resume on September 17.

The planned #EndBadGovernance protest, organized by some Nigerians over the economic hardship in the country, is scheduled to commence on August 1.

Reacting to the decision of the members of the National Assembly to embark on recess, NEFGAD, in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by its Country Head of Office, Mr Akingunola Omoniyi, described the lawmakers as insensitive.

The group said the decision of the National Assembly to proceed on recess “at this critical moment of palpable tension across the country occasioned by the planned protest shows that the lawmakers place pleasure far above national interests”.

“No responsible parent goes to bed when the house is on fire, but the attitude of the 10th Assembly seems they have forgotten their parental role in the nation and are behaving like gallivantists or addicted tourists who go around in pursuit of pleasure and entertainment.

“The protest has assumed the dimension of a national emergency whose outcome is unpredictable, hence the National Assembly has a complementary role.

“Seeing the Assembly fully in session to discuss and address some of these grievances alone could persuade Nigerians planning the protest to back down.

“The Assembly should know that going on recess at this time is of no value to the country except personal enjoyment of the lawmakers.”

NEFGAD equally implored the lawmakers to, in the interest of the country, shift the recess to a later date when there is national tranquility.